Coming off its victories in the Columbia Classic last weekend, the Lions volleyball team plays host at the Columbia Invitational this weekend. The Light Blue is scheduled to face Fordham on Friday night, Bucknell late morning Saturday, and Fairleigh Dickinson later that evening. The Lions (4-2) are undefeated at home in Levien Gym, with victories over St. Francis, Lafayette, Central Connecticut State, and Iona.

When asked about challenges facing his team this weekend, head coach Jon Wilson pointed to the Rams’ formidable outside hitters. “Fordham has some big hitters. We will have to serve, block, and play floor defense very well in order to be successful.” He believes that all three opponents will put up a good fight. However, when pressed for which one would be the toughest, he responded, “We are focused on our first match against Fordham. They are very tough. I doubt it will get easier as we go through the weekend. Bucknell and FDU are also very good.”

With Ancient Eight competition looming, this weekend’s results will provide a crucial sense of where Columbia stands. So far, the Lions have made the most of their nonconference slate. “We like to see improvement from week to week,” Wilson said. “So far we have accomplished that. We want to play at a higher level this weekend than we did last weekend. How we play will tell us something about our readiness for Ivy League play, which begins next weekend.”

For Wilson’s players, the invitational promises to be an exciting lead-in to next weekend when conference action kicks off with a matchup against Cornell at home.